Kym wrote: “I posted a profile on match.com in the spring of 2011. I got some winks, but not many emails. Then in early July I received an email from Mike. The first line read, “Holy Toledo!” I liked what he wrote because he mentioned my parents’ love letters so I knew he had read my entire profile. We exchanged a few more emails and then a phone call and set a time to meet on Friday July 8 at 3:00 p.m. at Downtown Latte. When he arrived my first impression was how warm his smile and eyes were. We ended up talking over 2 hours. We discussed old movies, music, families and he was so easy to talk to that I didn’t want it to end. I walked him to his truck and he said he would like to continue getting to know me and would I like to come to his cottage in the Irish Hills Saturday. I told him I would drive up Saturday afternoon.
On Saturday as I was driving on M50 heading to his cottage I couldn’t believe I was actually taking a chance on a new relationship. I had spent the last year concentrating on my boys and getting my feet back on the ground after years of unhappiness. I felt like I was beginning a huge adventure.
We spent most of the day talking and swimming in the lake. He held my hand as we talked on the swing about some of life’s heartaches and triumphs. Then as we were beginning to prepare dinner he leaned me back against the kitchen counter and kissed me. And there it was…lightning…bells…and a feeling I hadn’t even known I was missing…Passion!
Over the next weeks Mike completely swept me off my feet. We spent most weekends at the lake and had dates during the week and I realized I was falling in love. We learned each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We joined a church. We cried, laughed, and were never far apart. I wrote him love letters when he was on a fishing trip and I came to understand the meaning of real love. I changed and grew into a better person and felt complete for the first time in my life.
We took a vacation together in March 2012 and spent our days talking about the future and what we needed from each other. Mike made me feel cherished and he provided a support system for me that only real love can provide.
On July 6, 2012 Mike took me out for a sunrise cruise on Wolf Lake. He anchored the boat and made me breakfast. Then he said, “I got you a present, want to see it?” I replied “Of course.” He then pulled a small box out of his pocket and I remember thinking, “Oh, he got me earrings.” Then Mike said these words, “Kym I love you and I don’t want to lose you, will you marry me?”
I responded, “You don’t have to marry me not to lose me.” (which later my girlfriend said was the dumbest thing she had ever heard me say.)
I was so speechless from his proposal that I could only nod my head when he asked if my tears meant yes. I continued being speechless most of the day. I remember looking at my ring and thinking it looked and felt very right on my finger.
We bought a house is in the fall and before moving in our Pastor married us in our new backyard on November 10. My sons gave me away and we didn’t have any guests. Yvonne took our pictures and then we went to dinner where Mike’s daughter joined us. We moved into our new house and got settled over the holidays. Then we began planning our formal wedding ceremony and tent reception for June 8 at the Sylvania Country Club. My friend Kim agreed to work as my wedding planner and I found the perfect dress at Belle Amour.
On June 8, 2013 I married the man I will love the rest of my life. It was the best day of my life. Everything was perfect and our friends and family were there to witness our love and commitment. As I look at our pictures from Yvonne it’s easy to see the joy we both feel and I look forward to many new adventures with Mike and know that God’s divine intervention brought us together according to His plan.”
written by: Kym Smith Cragel
The entire collection can be viewed by clicking on this link: Kym & Mike’s Wedding Photos
Wedding Planner: Kim Wesley
Dress: Belle Amour
Flowers: Emery’s Flowers
Venue: Sylvania Country Club
Make up: Martha Harbaugh
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